The former player: 'I wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an premature end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.
"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in November 2022
